Neti Pot: Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Health Benefits

I have to start out by saying that a girl should pretty much always listen to her mother. Especially in my case, as my Mama Ruth is quite wise. She has been suggesting I try the Neti Pot for my seasonal allergies for some time now, but I kept not getting around to it. So, when my Holistic Health Coach, Andrea Land also suggested it to me I decided I would learn a bit more about this whole Neti Pot thing. Turns out there are numerous benefits - not just physical, but emotional and spiritual as well. Here's what I found: 

Physical Health Benefits

• Removes dirt and bacteria filled mucus from within the nose.
• Helps to drain the sinus cavities, supporting the body’s natural mechanisms against nasal infections such as hayfever, allergies, sinusitis and other upper respiratory complaints like sore throats and coughs, post nasal drip, inflammation of tonsils and adenoids. 
• Beneficial for asthma and bronchitis as it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing by freeing the nostrils of mucus. 
• It has a cooling and soothing effect on the brain by drawing out excessive heat, and is therefore beneficial for headaches, migraine, epilepsy, temper tantrums, hysteria, depression and general mental tension. 
• It helps flush the tear ducts, encouraging clearer vision (and gives a sparkle to the eyes!). 
• It can be beneficial for certain types of ear disorders such as middle ear infections and tinnitus.  
• Improves sensitivity of the olfactory nerves, helping to restore lost sense of smell.
• Neti is excellent for those trying to give up smoking. Since it reduces the tendency for mouth breathing, Neti re-sensitises the nose to the actual pollution of ingesting smoke, thereby de-programming the brain of the physical and psychological addiction.

Emotional & Spiritual Benefits

• It has subtle effects on the pineal and pituitary glands which control the hormonal system. This has a harmonising effect on emotional behavior. 
• Neti affects the Ajna Chakra which helps in awakening higher states of meditation. 
• It helps to stimulate powers of visualisation and concentration and gives a feeling of lightness and clarity to the mind.

I tried it and I'm hooked!  To be honest, I was a little hesitant about pouring water into my nose. I'm not sure what I thought might happen, but whatever it was, it didn't. If you think you might benefit from the use of a Neti Pot, but have been hesitant to give it a try, go ahead and give it a go - you might find yourself hooked as well.